Housing Ministry Sensitizes Staff On Innovative Ideas, Creativity.    * New ideas improve service efficiency, make work more enjoyable - Belgore   Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has organised a one day sensitization programme for management and staff,  aimed at encouraging innovation; creativity, and continuous improvement in service delivery. The programme, anchored by the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement was ‎in line with the Government's vision to foster a culture of innovation across all public institutions. It is under the pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25). ‎In his remarks the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore emphasized on the importance of innovation in a work environment, noting that it has not received the attention it deserves. ‎He highlighted the need for new ideas to improve service efficiency and make work more enjoyable; “When we have new ideas, we get new energy, we are able to perform better, and also able to satisfy our charter of service to Nigerians”, he stated  ‎While restating the Ministry’s primary objectives of providing affordable housing to Nigerians, Dr. Belgore noted that the Ministry also engages in land administration, urban renewal, roads, water, electricity, and other forms of lighting. ‎He expressed delight in flagging off the program, saying that it would enable staff cultivate ideas towards producing innovative ways of addressing service, not limited to the Ministry’s mandate, but ideas that would improve service delivery generally. ‎The Permanent Secretary recalled the innovation challenges conducted by the Head of Service over some years which has generated many ideas across different ministries, with awards for the best ideas. ‎He cited specific examples of innovative ideas at the recent innovation award by the Head of Service to include an internet radio for civil servants and a mentorship program, with the internet radio winning as the best idea. ‎Dr. Belgore expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to produce innovative ideas and win future innovation prizes, urging participants to think of new ways to improve service efficiency. ‎He further encouraged participants to embrace technology and innovative ways of doing things, noting that the world was moving towards everything being technology-driven. ‎Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head Reform Coordination and Service Improvement department, Ibifuro Philips- Ogoniba (mrs), informed that the third quarter sensitization program was in line with the department's work plan of 2025, and the need to create awareness on innovative principles in the ministry,  as part of the federal government reforms FCSSIP 2025, pillar four. ‎She mentioned some of the purpose for the sensitization program to include enhancement of effective service delivery, promoting better attitude to work, enhancement of conducive work environment, amongst others. ‎In his presentation, the representative from the Service Innovation department of the Head of Service, Mr. Henry Nwaedo focused on Design Thinking  and its application in civil service innovation. ‎He explained that Design thinking involves visualizing gaps in the environment and finding solutions to address them. ‎Nwaedo further highlighted some benefits and challenges of Design Thinking. ‎Also in his presentation, the Managing Director,  Hitech Integrated Services LTD, Micheal Ojiyovwi emphasised that innovation is no longer optional but essential for effective governance and service delivery. ‎He discussed some challenges and solutions in innovation, as well as the role of Information Communication Technology (ICT), pointing out the need for better infrastructure and support for ICT within the civil service. In attendance at the program were; ‎Directors and heads of departments,  staff, as well as representatives from the head of civil service of the federation and the private sector.  ...

Investment in Building Materials Aligns with FG's Manufacturing Hubs Initiative - Ata    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has commended the large scale Investments in local building materials in Nigeria, saying it gives a boost to the federal government’s building materials manufacturing hubs initiative in the six geo- political zones of the country.   Ata made the commendation during his visit to Lagos and Ogun States industrial areas over the weekend.    "The growth of building materials industries is a clear indication that investors have heeded the federal government's call to invest heavily in Nigeria, and this gesture is yielding fruitful outcomes." Ata said   He explained that Investments in building materials would support the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the housing sector and impact on the nation’s economy    The minister visited Hwani Industrial complex in Shagamu and Abule Owu, Ogun State, noted that the complex's large-scale production of building materials and equipment would significantly contribute to the nation's housing needs.   " The large-scale industrial complexes like Hwani would have a positive economic impact, generating revenue, creating jobs, and reducing youth restiveness" he stated    He further highlighted the importance of industrial growth, and expressing  satisfaction with the industry's modern machinery and manufacturing capabilities, noting that similar complexes in Nigeria's six geo-political zones would reduce unemployment, increase government revenue, and support the federal government's housing initiatives.   The Minister was conducted on a tour of Hwani conglomerate, a household manufacturing industry which engages in large-scale production of household wares from foundation to finishing touches, and specializes in the large-scale production of ceramic toilet wares, fitting pipes, and wooden doors.    The Managing Director of Hwani Group and Jomoo Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chen Dibau, expressed his gratitude for the Minister's visit, stating that his company is committed to producing affordable and durable household materials and equipment for Nigerians.   The MD explained that the industry's large-scale production capacity not only meets Nigeria's needs but also has the potential to cover the entire West African sub-region, providing essential building supplies and materials from start to finish.    ...

Housing Ministry, Polaris Capital, Sign MoU On Artisans Skills Acquisition  The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited has today September 2nd, 2025, formalized a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to kick-start the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).   NASAP is a nationwide intervention programme designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100,000 artisans in priority construction trades to job opportunities across Nigeria.   Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, informed that the Ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is set to embark on the transformative initiative to bridge the nation's artisan skills gap and modernize the construction workforce.    “Today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Limited marks a milestone in the launch of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP)”, he remarked.   He outlined some of the objectives of the programme to include strengthening the technical capacity in the housing and construction sector, creating sustainable employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans.   Other objectives according to the Permanent Secretary include promoting inclusivity by ensuring participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities; as well as leveraging technology through a national booking and verification system for artisans.   He explained that the initiative is structured around a three-year programme with funding from federal budget allocations, private sector participation, and donor contributions, adding that the digital platform would generate revenue to ensure sustainability of the programme beyond the MoU period.   Dr. Belgore further expressed joy in the partnership which is aimed at delivering affordable housing for Nigerians across the country.   On their part, the CEO of the Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described the signing of the MoU as a positive initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in the Nigerian economy.   He noted that skills is the bedrock and corner stone of every economy, saying  that the initiative would reduce unemployment and make skills available at the national level.   He informed that the scope of the MoU is to train, certify and onboard the artisans, reducing quackery, and reforming the housing industry.   Vihishima further appreciated the Ministry for taking the noble initiative and appreciating the expertise of its delivery.   In his introductory remarks, the Director, Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, Arc. Ibechile Egwudale said that the signing of the MoU underscores the Ministry's commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth, anchored on accountability, inclusivity and long-term economic impact.    Highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Ministry, and Polaris Capital Limited. ...